Hairless cats have been around for decades despite being popular only in recent years.
The Sphynx cat breed, in particular, is truly unique and fascinating due to its hairless appearance. If you are intrigued about these cats as much as I am, wait until you hear about black Sphynx cats.
Black Sphynx cats are often perceived as scary, not just because of their coat but due to their color.
However, these cats are far more likely to bring you bad luck. They are friendly, active, and playful felines that love to get their owner’s attention.
To answer the bubbling questions in your head about black Sphynx cats, keep reading this article to find out more.
Are There Black Sphynx Cats?
Black Sphynx cat is one of the many solid colors in Sphynx cats. However, instead of a solid, dark color, you get a more chalky black appearance. The black color is more apparent in some areas, like the nose, muzzle, and ears.
Seeing fluffy, black-coated cats is one thing but black hairless cats like the Sphynx are quite more interesting.
If you’re wondering how they got their bald appearance, you should blame a naturally occurring genetic mutation.
The first account of this mutation dates back to 1966 when a hairless kitten was found in a litter of Domestic Shorthair kittens.
Then, the hairless cat was bred with normal-coated cats. Their offspring were crossed again with other hairless cats to produce the Sphynx we know today.
Black Sphynx cats, on the other hand, can be explained by cat color genetics which will be explained in a separate section.
Black Sphynx Cat Appearance: What Does a Black Sphynx Cat Look Like?
Black Sphynx cats are easily identified through their hairless bodies, wrinkled skin, and large, bat-like ears.
Their striking appearance suggests a bold and fearless expression. They have sleek, muscular bodies that appear too heavy for their size.
Their head is generally triangular with a pair of wide-set eyes and prominent cheekbones.
Their breed name, Sphynx, comes from their undeniable resemblance to the ancient cats of Egypt which is mainly due to their facial structure.
Even though they are classified as hairless, black Sphynx cats aren’t completely bald.
Upon closer inspection, you will notice that they indeed have very fine hairs on their bodies. This short, fuzzy coat feels like fine suede to the touch.
Due to the scarcity of hair on their skin, their black color often appears diluted due to the parts where their skin is mostly showing. However, darker markings on the nose, ears, muzzles, and paws are quite noticeable.
Black Sphynx Cat Size and Weight: How Big Do Black Sphynx Cats Get When Fully Grown?
Black Sphynx cats are medium-sized cats that can grow between 8 and 10 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 12 pounds when fully grown. Their average body length falls anywhere between 13 and 15 inches.
Most black Sphynx cats reach their full size at one year old while larger ones require a few months more to develop their muscle weight and eventually transition to their adult build.
As kittens, you can expect them to be around 2 to 3 pounds in weight at 12 weeks old. This is the typical age when breeders put them up for adoption.
Are Black Sphynx Cats Rare?
As a color variation, black Sphynx cats are quite common like other solid colors including white, red, and brown.
The rarer Sphynx colors are the diluted ones such as blue and lavender. Patterned Sphynx cats such as calico, tabby, tortoiseshell, pointed, and mink are also uncommon.
You can easily find a black Sphynx cat at your local breeder since they do not require selective breeding methods to be produced.
In general, Sphynx is a rare cat breed. There is a high demand for these cats but a very limited supply. As a result of this rarity, breeders often sell them at a higher price than common domestic breeds.
Black Sphynx Cat Color Genetics: What Makes a Sphynx Cat Black?
Generally, cats have two main pigments: black and red. For Sphynx to have a solid black color, they must inherit the dominant black gene from one or both of their parents. This gene controls the amount of eumelanin or black pigment of the cat.
The black gene (B) can be expressed in three different ways. Your black Sphynx cat can have two dominant genes (BB), a dominant and a recessive gene (Bb), or two recessive genes (bb).
When two Sphynx cats with dominant BB genes mate, all of their offspring will have a pure black coat. If those with Bb genes are bred together, there is a 3:1 ratio that their kitten will be black.
Lastly, when one of the cat pairs has a recessive bb gene and the other with a Bb gene, there is a 50% chance that they will produce black Sphynx kittens.
Black Sphynx Cat Temperament and Behavior: Are Black Sphynx Cats Good House Pets?
Many will assume that Sphynx cats are unfriendly due to how they look but then again, looks can be deceiving.
A black Sphynx cat can make a great house pet due to its sociable and loving personality. Most of the time, they love to cuddle and be around their owners.
As a family cat, black Sphynx cats are very easygoing and gentle with kids. They will have no trouble interacting with dogs and other cats.
Because of their loving nature, they will most likely sleep on your lap or snuggle with you in bed.
On the flip side, their clinginess causes them to be dependent on their owners. They would demand your attention all the time and it might cause them stress if you aren’t around.
You need to return the love and affection you give them; otherwise, it can cause some distress to your black Sphynx.
To solve this, you may want to have another cat that requires less attention or better yet, two black Sphynx cats.
In this way, they can get the interaction they need without your presence in the house. In the long run, they can even become best friends.
Black Sphynx Cat Lifespan and Health Issues: Do Black Sphynx Cats Have Health Problems?
On average, black Sphynx cats can live for 8 to 14 years. They are generally healthy breeds but their lack of hair makes them more prone to several health issues.
They can also inherit diseases that can shorten their lifespan considerably.
If you are planning to own a black Sphynx, you need to watch out for the following health conditions and diseases:
- Skin Issues: Excess oil present on your Sphynx cat’s skin can cause skin problems such as urticaria pigmentosa, the most common form of cutaneous mastocytosis. This condition causes the accumulation of mast cells in the skin. As a result, skin lesions in the form of red spots appear all over the cat’s body.
- Body Temperature Regulation Problems: Having no fur may look badass but this also makes it hard for black Sphynx cats to regulate their body temperature. Proper clothing and heated beds should be provided for them, especially during cold months. Keeping them indoors is also a must.
- Ear Infections: Their hairless appearance also makes them prone to ear infections due to wax and dirt buildup. If you don’t clean their ears regularly, it may cause serious infections that will require treatment.
- Periodontal Disease: Sphynx cats, in particular, are more inclined to have dental problems. Your black Sphynx can experience bad breath, tooth discoloration, drooling and bleeding gums. This often results in difficulty in eating.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): This is a progressive heart disease that causes the walls of the heart to thicken, decreasing the heart’s performance. HCM causes the heart to beat rapidly resulting in increased oxygen consumption.
Regular grooming and knowledge of your black Sphynx cat’s medical history can help a lot in preventing these conditions.
Since they require more care than other breeds, you also need to be extra cautious about what they eat and where they go.
Black Sphynx Cat Grooming Needs: How to Groom a Black Sphynx Cat?
Grooming hairless cats like the Sphynx requires a lot of hard work. Due to the lack of fur, black Sphynx cats easily get sweaty and oily on their skin. This will require frequent baths to keep their skin clean and healthy.
To start the bathing process, prepare your medicated cat shampoo, preferably one that is prescribed by a veterinarian. Gently apply a generous amount of shampoo all over their body.
Using warm water, rinse the shampoo thoroughly, making sure that no residue is left that can irritate your cat’s skin after drying.
Brushing is not needed for black Sphynx cats but you still need to do basic grooming such as nail clipping, ear cleaning, and acne treatment. Because they are hairless, dirt can easily build up on their feet and ears.
To clean your black Sphynx’s ears, use a soft cloth or wet wipe and gently swipe inside the outer ear area.
Then, take a Q-tip to gently clean the inside part of the ears. This should be done right after they take a bath so it’s easier to take out the accumulated wax.
Next, you should trim your black Sphynx’s nails. Since dirt and dust can get lodged between their nails, it’s important to cut them regularly.
Using a sharp nail trimmer, carefully cut their nails not too far down where they start growing.
Lastly, you should look out for acne breakouts on your black Sphynx cat’s skin. Removing pimples and blackheads must be done to prevent other skin issues.
Using warm water and antibacterial soap, gently scrub the affected area. Your vet can also suggest using antibacterial creams and medications to treat them.
By following this grooming routine, you can prevent skin diseases and infections common to the breed.
For a detailed demonstration of how you should groom your black Sphynx, watch the video below:
How Much Is a Black Sphynx Cat? Kitten Prices and Other Expenses
In general, Sphynx cats are expensive breeds. When it comes to black Sphynx cats, those with a normal pedigree normally cost around $1,500 to $3,000.
Breeders that offer superior bloodlines often price them at $3,500 to $6,000 per kitten. For rare colors, the price can go as high as $10,000.
If you don’t want to break your bank account, adopting a black Sphynx is a better option. Most rescues charge between $75 and $600 depending on their age and health condition.
For the initial expenses that come after purchasing or adopting a black Sphynx, refer to the table below:
Type of Expense | Average Cost |
Premium Cat Food | $50 |
Litter Box | $15 |
Collar and ID Tag | $12 |
Carrier | $40 |
Bed | $15 |
Scratching Post | $20 |
Shampoo | $15 |
Toys | $24 |
Feeding Bowls | $20 |
Toothbrush and Toothpaste | $12 |
Nail Clippers | $14 |
Total Initial Cost | $237 |
The best thing you can do before your cat arrives is to prepare the budget for some essential items that you will need for feeding, grooming, and keeping your black Sphynx cat in high spirits.
For more practical deals, you can check your local pet store or use online coupons.
Places to Find Black Sphynx Kittens for Sale and Adoption
The next step is to find out where you can purchase or adopt black Sphynx kittens. Breeders and rescue groups are scattered throughout the United States so finding one shouldn’t be a problem.
To make it easier for you, you can refer to this list of breeders that offer black Sphynx kittens for sale:
- Annie’s Sphynx Cattery – Those in Bristol, Tennessee can easily get a black Sphynx cat from Annie’s Sphynx Cattery. They test all their cats for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and feed them a raw diet.
- Scheherazade Sphynx Cattery – If you want an experienced breeder, Scheherazade Sphynx Cattery is the place to go. For over 22 years, they’ve been offering high-quality Sphynx cats, including black ones, at reasonable prices.
- Nocoatkitty – For those living in Southern New Jersey and Miami, you can reach out to Nocoatkitty to purchase a black Sphynx kitten. Their prices start at $1,800 and they start accepting deposits once the kittens are 5 to 6 weeks old.
If adoption is a better choice for you, you can reach out to these rescue organizations:
- Sphynx Open Arms Rescue (SOAR) – This non-profit organization is dedicated to protecting, fostering, and caring for all Sphynx cats in need. If you see an available black Sphynx, you can easily fill out their online application form.
- Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue – Founded in 1999, this rescue focuses on finding permanent homes for abandoned or surrendered purebred cats, including rare breeds. There’s a high chance that you can find a black Sphynx from their list of available cats.
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – ASPCA is one of the first and largest humane organizations to be established in North America. With the number of animals they rescue every day, you can adopt a black Sphynx cat in no time.
Whether you choose to buy or adopt a black Sphynx, make sure that you are 100% ready for the responsibilities that come along with owning one.
Because they are unique cats, they have special requirements that you need to learn how to properly attend to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Black Sphynx Cats Have Blue Eyes?
Black Sphynx cats can have blue eyes but there is a very low probability for this to occur.
If your cat is born with blue eyes, there’s a high chance that their eye color will change to a shade of green as they reach adulthood. Most black Sphynx cats have gold, yellow, or green eyes.
What Is the Rarest Color for a Sphynx Cat?
The rarest color for a Sphynx cat is chocolate. For a Sphynx to appear brown, it has to carry two recessive genes (bb) for brown coat coloration.
The intensity and pattern of this brown color will be further affected by other color-related genes.
What Colors Do Sphynx Cats Come In?
Sphynx cats come in other solid colors including white, black, blue, lavender, red, cream, chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, sable, champagne, and platinum.
They can also come in white with a combination of another solid color. These Sphynx cats are called bicolors. Other coat patterns include tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, pointed, and mink.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Black Sphynx Cat?
Black Sphynx cats are truly one-of-a-kind. Their hairless appearance adds an eccentric charm to their lovable personalities. They are social butterflies that love to play and seek the attention of people around them.
However, you need to consider that owning a black Sphynx comes with an even bigger responsibility than owning a regular domestic cat.
Due to being hairless, they require extra care in terms of grooming and their overall health.
Even though they are high-maintenance cats, it’s definitely worth all the effort once you find them snuggling up to you while watching TV or just being near you. They are one of the most affectionate cats you can have.